Batsman Reeza Hendricks emerged the proud recipient of the Mzansi Super League’s first century, as the Jozi Stars triumphed over the Durban Heat by 53 runs at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.

Hendricks struck an impressive 104 not out from only 51 deliveries which featured nine fours and six sixes, surpassing the tournament’s previous highest score.

Teammate Ryan Rickelton had hit 91 against the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park last week.

The hard-hitting Hendricks’ ton pushed the Stars to a final total of 230 for three, after which the Heat were limited to an entirely insufficient 177 all out.

‘I am really glad about my performance. I was quite fortunate to get runs. I got a good partnership with Ryan and then with Rassie van der Dussen. The guys getting quick runs from the other end helped me play my game. This was an absolute belter of a wicket, useful for the batters,’ said Hendricks, who was named Player of the Match.

‘I was hoping it to go over the fielders and was fortunate to get sixes in the end. This was a massive win for us – two from five now and it’s important for us to keep winning. There is a big game coming up on Sunday and hopefully we can keep it going.’

The Durban outfit weren’t helped by another failure from opener Hashim Amla – and ducks for pinch-hitter Keshav Maharaj, captain Albie Morkel and batsman Heinrich Klaasen.

‘I think it was still the right decision to bowl first. It was just that they batted really well and were too good at the end. Once again, we lost too many wickets early on and that hurt us,’ added Heat captain Albie Morkel.

‘The batting does have some world-class players in there – we just need them to click.’

The Stars will travel to Port Elizabeth to play the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, while the Heat will be in action against the Rocks in Paarl. Both matches will take place on Sunday.

Image: Gallo